Are you looking for unique, Japanese home decor and tableware here in Dubai? A very dear friend of ours Miyuki have started a venture with a friend early 2025, bringing in these products straight from Japan.
We sat down with Miyuki from M’s Living UAE to have a chat about the business.
Introduction to the founders
Miyuki is an expat living and working in Dubai for over a decade. Like many others, she has a 9-5 corporate job, but always wanted to do something a little more meaningful on the sidelines.
When asked why she started M’s Living UAE, she told us, ” I’ve lived out of Japan for many years now. The longer that I’ve been away, the more I appreciate the country that I come from. Japan has always been in my heart – and although I don’t want to live there, I do want to contribute to my country, and particularly to the local community where I’m from. “
Ahmed, an Emirati is a co-founder to M’s Living UAE. Whilst he has never been to Japan but he loves Japanese culture, having grown up watching Japanese cartoons like a lot of us. In 2025, the two friends decided to partner up on this venture – bringing together high-quality Japanese products that resonate with both local and Japanese traditions.
Introduction to the business
Why did you choose pottery for this business?
M : I wanted to promote Japanese products – because Japanese products are known – but often they are made elsewhere. A lot of these products that you find in the stores are of japanese design but made in China, or otherwise ridiculously expensive. I wanted to come up with something accessible to everyone
Where exactly is M’s Living UAE’s pottery is from?
M : In Japan – each region has different styles of pottery. Japan is rich in nature so locally they can source clay. One of the famous pottery town is called Mashiko (益子) , which is next to my hometown. All pottery produced in Mashiko is called mashiko-ware. Growing up – this was what we used. After I moved to Dubai – people I met here told me about Mashiko-ware – and how nice it was. So I thought, why not bring it to Dubai
And where are you from?
M : I am from Moka (真岡市) , which is located in Tochigi (栃木県) – the same prefacture as Mashiko. Tochigi is very close to Tokyo, and the climate is quite mild there in comparison. There are enough job opportunities within Tochigi and people are comfortable in this region, so generally people who live in Tochigi don’t leave. They stay there for generations. This is what makes the pottery industry in Mashiko so fascinating as a lot of potters have been doing this for generations.
The Products
What products do M’s Living UAE have?
M : Products include japanese cups & mugs, including sake cups. You’ll find japanese bowls and plates like katakuchi matcha bowls. We also have cutlery and chopsticks, coffee accessories and teaware.
M : There’s home decor like ichirin and sorori vases, tatami coasters and incense burners.
The Process
Tell us more about Mashiko and the process that you went through to create your product
M : Mashiko is home to 160 potters. I visited the different places as I needed to choose a design that Dubai residents would like. All the products I purchased are directly from the producers. I also started collaborating with the potters to create unique designs. I wanted to bridge the cultures – so I asked if they could make arabic coffee cups, and they very kindly agreed to do so.
What makes M’s Living UAE’s product unique?
M : The items are unique as these are hand-crafted by local Japanese artisans. These are made by potters who do it for a living, and have been doing it for generations.
Are the products from one specific potter or different potters?
M : The products that I have chosen are from different potters that I have visited. These are hand-made and sometimes, with assistance of some machinery and moulds. Some of them use pattern/mould so that the shape is unified. Currently we have source our pottery from six different potters.
Can you share some stories of these potters?
M : Mr. Kawajiri ( addressed as Kawajiri-san ) is born and raised in Mashiko, where he currently lives with his family. This is where where his parents have started the pottery business. Interestingly, he uses a climbing kiln – a traditional method for firing pottery.
M : Ms. Kondo ( Kondo-san ) was a office lady working in Tokyo. She had to enrolled herself into a training centre – this was 20-30 years, and at that time the only training centre available for women was in Mashiko. She then decided to stay on in Mashiko and currently lives there, running this pottery business. She also creates a lot of objects/dolls for festivals like the famous Japanese Girl’s Day on the 3rd of March. Kondo-san uses a gas kiln for firing up the ceramic next to her home in Mashiko.
What is your goal with M’s Living UAE?
M : We usually see authentic japanese products in the market that is overpriced. I want it to be accessible. Even with the packaging I try and minimize. I want the packaging to look nice but it has to be at a minimum. Another thing to highlight is that the pottery industry is shrinking. If I can make more profit – I want to return it to the potters, so I can bring it back to the local community.
Any future plans?
M : One day, I would love to open up a coffee shop where I can use these ceramics. And, sell my cheesecake!
If you’re interested on purchasing authentic Japanese home decor & tableware in Dubai – see M’s Living UAE